Schleicher ASK-21 Pilot Briefing

Pilot Briefing Schleicher ASK-21
The ASK-21 is known worldwide as the best sailplane available for initial flight training
through solo to license, and for fun soaring. It has a fair glide ratio (34 to 1) and a low
minimum sink rate that allows the "K-21" to climb in weak thermals.
STUDY. Read this document and the ASK-21 Quick Reference pages.
(Copies of Flight Manual, Radio & Vario manuals are available
Status and Manuals" link on the GBSC web site.
http://soargbsc.com/members/ac_status.php
Learn the location of the controls, trim, release, wheel brake, etc.
Learn how to close and lock the canopies – the rear canopy must close first.
Use the Pre-Flight (and post-flight) Checklist.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCES. The ASK-21 is obviously different than the Blanik L-23 or the
Schweizer gliders. (Every glider you will ever fly will likely have significant differences,
especially in landing technique, canopy latching, location of wheel brake, trim and release
levers.)
The Good: Fair Glide Performance: 34 to 1 at 56 knots (dual) / 52 knots (solo)
Lower Sink Rate Solo: 128 feet per minute at 42 knots
Getting In and Out is easier as the glider dips down on its nose wheel.
Harmonized Controls and easier to fly on tow.
Wheel Brake with the Airbrake lever – activated aft with full airbrakes.
Does Not Easily Spin (but it will dive out or spin in skidding turns.)
The Differences. Not "bad", just different from a Blanik or a Schweizer 2-33.
 Canopies Must Always Be Closed. Hinges can be damaged by wind.
 Rear Canopy closes first. Both latches completely forward and "clicked."
 Fuselage has three wheels. On takeoff or landing roll it is impossible to steer.
 Ground Handling. Tailwheel does not swivel. Push down on nose to turn.
 Getting In and Out, it dips onto its nosewheel when loaded.
 Landing Technique. Must be landed on main and tailwheel together.
 P.I.O. on landing is prevented by never letting the nosewheel touch.
 8 knot max crosswind component, so keep it straight on landing roll-out.
 Wheelbrake is activated by the airbrake handle – full back (airbrakes out.)
File: ASK-21 Notes Burtt Compton GBSC 2016-09-02.doc
Updated September 2, 2016
N421G
On-Line on the "Fleet
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